Arlington, Virginia — In the wakes of Hurricanes Florence and Michael, the devastating impact of the 2018 hurricane season is felt across the country. As communities throughout Florida, North Carolina and Texas begin the arduous process of rebuilding, America’s trucking industry has mobilized to help lead the national recovery effort.
Dozens of motor carriers and truck drivers are volunteering their fleets and time to delivery emergency supplies and critical relief aid to areas affected by the recent storms. One such company, Publix, donated more than one million dollars to Florence relief efforts in addition to dispatching its own ten-truck convoy to deliver water and ice to the Florida panhandle.
“These efforts by these motor carriers are being taken entirely at their volition – and they demonstrate the essential nature of trucking to our country,” said Chris Spear, president and CEO of American Trucking Associations. “They show that trucking is more than just a backbone to our economy – that in times like these, trucking is at the heart and soul of what our country is all about.”
Following Florence, Herschel Evans, a professional driver for Holland, Inc. led a relief convoy carrying food, water, diapers, paper supplies and mattresses and into North Carolina. He was joined by John Lex of Walmart Transportation. And after Hurricane Michael struck Florida, Bill West of ABF Freight Inc. led a convoy to deliver relief to Floridians.
“Some of our drivers put their jobs on hold to volunteer as first responders doing search and rescue, and many are enlisting to do what it is we do better than anyone: deliver,” said Spear. “Convoys delivering essential resources like food, water, clothing and building materials are completing those critical first steps in the rebuilding process. We are tremendously proud of the role our industry plays to support our fellow Americans in need.”
American Trucking Associations is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry. Through a federation of 50 affiliated state trucking associations and industry-related conferences and councils, ATA is the voice of the industry America depends on most to move our nation’s freight. Follow ATA on Twitter or Facebook. Trucking Moves America Forward
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